It’s become something of a staple of Caribbean hotels and resorts: the welcome rum punch.

It’s a nice way of reminding guests they’re in the Caribbean and immediately impacting their stay.

The Colony Club in Barbados, however, has a new spin on the custom, one that we rather like.

This luxurious Barbados boutique hotel does offer a welcome rum punch, among other drinks, upon arrival; but when you get to the room, there’s another surprise: a bottle of rum punch custom-made by the bartenders of the Colony Club.

The recipe? Simple, but robust: dark rum, water, Bajan brown sugar, lime juice and Angostura bitters.

Set in a glass bottle, it’s a little gesture that goes a long way — and a welcome reception on an island made famous by rum.

And one that lasts far beyond check-in.

— CJ